More and more people appreciate the convenience and overall efficiency of online platforms allowing them to socialize, share or buy things they need and want, and get prompt solutions to their daily problems.

This being said, should you turn to a website that you may consider an online wonderland to spot the perfect apartment for rent in California? Generally speaking, a reputable apartment finding service will offer you the assistance, tools and insight that you may require to avoid scammers, check out the best listings in your area and establish a good connection with property managers and landlords. While online environments make it easier for you to save time, money and energy while looking for a new roof over your head, you still have to set the coordinates for a successful apartment search. Here are a few easy tips that you should apply to turn your first Californian apartment hunt into one of the greatest experiences of your life.

Know Your Limits, and Your Price. First of all, know and accept your limitations. Exclude the properties that you can’t realistically afford to rent, no matter how tempting they may be. Avoid long commutes by identifying the budget-friendly neighborhoods that are closer to your office. Did you know that you could save up to $1,500 on rent simply by doing your homework and discovering the ZIP codes with the lowest rental rates? For instance, a modest apartment in Dogpatch, San Francisco could cost you around $4,300 per month, while a similar property available for rent in Central Sunset would only take approximately $2,800 out of your pockets each month? Do your research online, compare neighborhoods and perform a targeted search with Apartment Hunterz to spot the most attractive eligible candidates during your apartment hunt.

Research the Rental Apartment, and the Its Management Company. It’s always a good idea to read online reviews and gather essential information on landlords and the properties that they’re renting. However, during this phase, many potential tenants ignore the fact that they should also try to dig a little deeper to uncover details related to the overall performance of the management company. Does your rental of choice have its own security team? Does the maintenance team include a crew of dependable, veteran handyman who are trained, ready and willing to address any kind of problem, day and night? Your comfort and peace of mind depend on these answers, so make sure you gather all the info on a rental’s management company before actually signing on the dotted line.

Get Acquainted with the Area. To begin with, you can use a great variety of online tools, such as Google Maps, to discover the particularities of the area where you have found the coolest apartments for rent online. Next, look for neighborhood reports allowing you to determine whether the rental apartment or house is a good match for you. While the ad may imply that the neighborhood is perfectly safe day and night, this new environment may not match your lifestyle, expectations and personality. For instance, a ZIP code teeming with young professionals may not be the best pick for seniors; this is why it would be best to evaluate your options before touring the property and its surroundings in person, at different times of the day, to capture its real vibe.

Keep in Mind That Smaller Is Usually Better. Smaller properties are usually a more attractive option for two different reasons: first of all, they help you save money and experience the joy of renting an apartment without having to share your space with a roommate. One extra room could cost you a small fortune in one of the most expensive Californian cities, so opt for a property offering you as much space as you realistically need. For instance, a 1-bedroom apartment in San Diego could cost you under $1,800 per month, while a 3-bedrooom one is currently in the $2,800 range.

Secondly, in general, smaller apartment complexes ensure better service and a higher level of comfort. Any tenant who is already occupying an apartment that is a part of a large complex will tell you just how difficult it can be to get help when you need it. When you’re sharing your space with 200 other people, you’re probably not the only one who has a complaint or a repair/improvement request. In such cases, you will have to wait in line, especially when non-emergency grievances represent the core of the problem that you’re reporting.

Here’s another key piece of advice that we would like to share with you: don’t sacrifice your overall wellbeing to protect your finances. We know what you may be inclined to think: you’re young, so you can spend a couple of years or so in a shoebox apartment with paper-thin walls. You can put up with noisy neighbors, bossy landlords, unreliable property managers, messy surroundings and less comfortable, ancient furniture. But the truth is that the space that you choose to occupy influences your mood, productivity and daily choices more than you could ever imagine.

For instance, did you know that clutter affects your ability to process information and focus? This means that a small, unorganized apartment could lower your performance at work and stand in the way of your career-related ambitions. Also, mess causes stress, triggering a feeling of guilt and making it increasingly difficult for people to relax in their own environments.

Why deal with all these negative aspects when you could actually find a great apartment in your price range with Apartment Hunterz? Check the listings delivered by California’s premier apartment finder, use your filters of choice to find the best options in certain areas of interest, and explore advanced features to communicate with landlords and handle paperwork with ease. Discover a new, simplified way to conduct an effective house hunt and turn your first apartment search into a fun adventure with Apartment Hunterz.